News On Japan

Sony and TSMC Invest 1 Trillion Yen in Next-Generation Sensors

TOKYO - Sony Group and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. announced on August 11 that they have formally agreed to jointly produce next-generation image sensors, with total investment expected to reach about 1 trillion yen and mass production scheduled to begin in Kumamoto Prefecture in 2029.

The two companies plan to manufacture the advanced sensors at a semiconductor plant in Kumamoto as they seek to establish large-scale production of the next generation of imaging technology.

A joint venture to be established by the companies will be funded about 60% by Sony and about 40% by TSMC. Including subsidies currently under discussion with the Japanese government, the overall investment is expected to total around 1 trillion yen.

The venture expects to supply products for Apple's iPhone and will also pursue technological innovation aimed at emerging fields including physical AI.

Source: テレ東BIZ

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Western Japan faces the risk of prolonged heavy rain over the coming week, particularly along the Pacific coast, as Typhoon No. 24 is forecast to make an unusually complex loop near Okinawa and Amami and remain close to the region for several days.

Bear sightings and attacks have been reported across Japan throughout the summer, with animals damaging sheds, attacking livestock and injuring people, while experts warn that autumn is the most dangerous season as bears expand their range in search of food.

Japan's Environment Ministry will conduct its first survey of animal cafes, where customers can interact with animals including exotic species, as concerns grow over infection risks, injuries and the welfare burden placed on animals.

Haneda Airport introduced two major changes on September 2, opening a new boarding facility at Terminal 1 while moving the checked-baggage deadline for all domestic flights to 30 minutes before departure.

Universal Studios Japan is considering its first expansion since opening in 2001, with plans to use about 60,000 square meters of former Nippon Steel factory land adjacent to the park and potentially increase its total area by roughly 10%.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Business NEWS

Tokyo stocks ended mixed on September 3, with the Nikkei 225 closing at 64,214.48, down 111.16 points, as uncertainty over interest rates and currencies kept pressure on risk assets, while the broader TOPIX rose 0.5% to 4,102.04.

Tokyo stocks fell sharply on September 2, with the Nikkei 225 closing at 64,325.64, down 1,889.70 points, as renewed U.S. strikes on Iran sent oil prices higher, pushed bond yields up globally and triggered heavy selling across semiconductor, technology and export-related shares.

Interest rates on Japanese government bonds for individual investors offered in September have risen to record-high levels, with the 10-year floating-rate bond reaching 1.95%, according to figures announced on September 2.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda that he strongly supports decisive market intervention and monetary policy measures by Japan to address excessive yen weakness, saying the currency's depreciation is contributing to inflationary pressure.

Tokyo stocks ended mixed on September 1, with the Nikkei 225 closing at 66,215.34, down 96.59 points, or 0.15%, as rising bond yields and weakness in semiconductor shares weighed on the index, while the broader TOPIX rose 25.57 points, or 0.62%, to 4,181.86 for its ninth straight gain.

Japan's benchmark long-term interest rate reached 3% on September 1, its highest level since 1996, as government bond selling accelerated on expectations of a possible Bank of Japan rate hike, rising U.S. yields and growing concerns over Japan's fiscal outlook.

Honda and Nissan Motor have agreed to jointly develop an operating system and onboard computers for next-generation vehicles, aiming to introduce the technology in new models from fiscal 2029 as they seek to compete with U.S. and Chinese automakers.

Japan began producing a commemorative 1,000-yen silver coin marking 100 years since the start of the Showa era at the Japan Mint in Osaka on August 31, with a first-striking ceremony held to mark the start of production.